Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

Yes, absolutely! I have found frozen cherries are easiest to work with. Toss the frozen cherries with 1.5 tablespoons of cornstarch in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Simmer the cherries over medium heat for about 10 to 12 minutes to create a thick, sweet filling similar to the canned version.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! Double the ingredients and use a 9x13-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time; it may take a few extra minutes.

What should I do if the dough is too dry?

If the dough isn’t coming together when pressed, add a small amount of water, one teaspoon at a time, until it holds together better.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture may change slightly, but it still works beautifully.

How would I add a sweet vanilla glaze to the Cherry Pie Bars?

In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar, 3/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2-3 Tablespoons of milk until you reach the desired consistency. Then, drizzle over the top of the bars.

Cherry Pie Bars

Description

Whip up these irresistible Cherry Pie Bars in just 30 minutes. With a buttery, crumbly crust, a luscious cherry filling, and simple ingredients, these bars are a treat no one can resist!

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 cups flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup butter, cold
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 21oz can cherry pie filling

💌 Save this article

Enter your email and have it sent to your inbox!

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix until the dough comes together. The dough will be crumbly.
Press 2/3 of the dough into the prepared 8×8-inch baking dish to form an even layer.
Spread 1 can of cherry pie filling evenly over the dough.
Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry pie filling.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.